Through September 15, don't take a plastic bag with your purchase at Suffolk University's Bookstores and you can enter to win a $25 bookstore gift certificate. A partnership of Suffolk Sustainability and Follett brings you the Bring Your Own Program, now in its second year.

"This program reduces the number of plastic bags the Bookstore needs each semester because customers are encouraged to use reusable bags instead of disposable, petroleum-based ones," said Campus Sustainability Coordinator Erica Mattison. "In many cases, plastic bags, which are not biodegradable, are thrown away and sit in a landfill for decades. The Bring Your Own Bag Program we implemented in 2008 is one of the many ways Suffolk University is striving to reduce environmental impact and conserve resources."

Customers are encouraged to bring a backpack or reusable bag when they go to buy their school books and supplies; they can retrieve their bag after they have made their purchase. Reusable tote bags are also available for purchase in the bookstores.

The program is promoted online and through signage in the University Bookstore and Law Bookstore. Bring Your Own Bag is administered for the few weeks preceding the start of the fall and spring semesters and concludes a couple weeks into the semester. Each academic year over 500 customers participate. Through increased promotion, the University hopes to see participation grow.